V Australia, Virgin Blue's premium long-haul airline, will take off from Brisbane International Airport at 10am on Sunday 22 November with a full load of Guests on its inaugural flight to Phuket.
Travellers will enjoy V Australia's Boeing 777-300 aircraft, which boasts a three class cabin including 33 fully lie-flat beds in International Business, 40 International Club seats in Premium Economy and 288 Economy seats, which offers Guests the only direct route between Brisbane and Phuket and a range of services to suit both business and leisure travellers.
To celebrate the new route, V Australia has announced a $399* one-way "Tuk Tuk Off To Phuket" launch fare on sale from now until midnight 23 November 2009, for travel on direct flights between Brisbane and Phuket from 22 November – 17 December 2009 and 15 January – 31 May 2010.
Lead-in fares start from $499* one-way on the net for International Economy, $999* for Premium Economy and $1999* for all the bells and whistles in V Australia's award-winning International Business Class Cabin. All fares are fully inclusive of taxes and surcharges with the direct flights departing from Brisbane to Phuket every Friday and Sunday.
Virgin Blue Chief Executive, Brett Godfrey, said, "With our first flight full to overflowing it's obvious that Queenslanders have been waiting sometime for a direct service to Phuket and V Australia is pleased to be filling that gap.
"As an added bonus, whether travellers are seeking a budget or premium product or somewhere in between, V Australia has got it covered and best of all, no matter which cabin they are travelling in, the service will always be first class."
In celebration of the new services inaugural flight Guests on Sunday will enjoy a Thai spectacular when they check-in at Brisbane International Airport. As well as being entertained by traditional Thai dancers, Guests will enjoy a complimentary Thai inspired banquet including; cocktails and a selection of finger food.
Virgin Blue Airlines Group's holiday program Blue Holidays also has some great packages including:
* 8 nights accommodation at Mercure Patong Phuket from $A1,586.00 per person^ including return V Australia flights from Brisbane, as well as welcome drinks on arrival and daily breakfasts. Package is on sale until 30 Dec 2009 for travel 22 November 2009 to 31 March 2010.
* 8 nights accommodation at Indigo Pearl in a Kelly Quarters Room from $A2,215.00 per person^ including return V Australia flights from Brisbane, complimentary airport transfers, set three course romantic dinner for two on one night of stay in the Rivet Grill Restaurant, complimentary coach transfers between Phuket Town/Patong Beach and 20% off food and beverage outlets. Package is on sale until 30 Dec 2009 for travel 22 November 2009 to 31 March 2010.
Brett Godfrey added, "Thailand is known as the "Land of Smiles" and we have every intention of giving travellers plenty of reasons to smile when it comes to being able to afford to holiday in one of Asia's most exotic hot spots."
While the launch schedule is designed to allow for a convenient week, long weekend or 10 day Phuket getaway, Virgin Blue will closely monitor demand for the new flights to determine future schedules and frequency increases based on support for the new services. For further information on fares and schedules, visit www.vaustralia.com.au.